Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and, while all the single people out there are dealing with their singledom, those in relationships are going through their own stress: what on earth do I buy my loved one this year?
Ladies Gift Guide
Gone are the days of flowers and chocolates. I’m sorry, but women want — and deserve — more! (But, please note: we never say “no” to perfume!). Guys, here are some ideas for what to get your girlfriends, wives or crush to show you really put some thought into it.
Plan a trip: There’s a reason this is number one. Trust us, all we girls want to do is get away and spend some quality one-on-one time with our partners and, of course, post it all on Instagram. Surprise the woman in your life with a fully-planned trip somewhere and, if you have kids, drop them off at granny’s for the weekend. Print out the Airbnb reservation and/or flight tickets and wrap them up in a box. Throw in a map or travel book of your chosen destination and you will have truly nailed Valentine’s Day this year!
Take her to a show: Getting dressed-up to go to the theatre is the ultimate date night. Browse through the shows on at Sibaya or the Elizabeth Sneddon and see what you would like to see together. Wear your best suit, buy all her favourite snacks and pick her up. Open all the doors for her and you’ll have her in the palm of your hand!
Throw a picnic: Take advantage of the hot weather and lay out your best blanket in the garden or on the beach. Organise her favourite foods and, of course, don’t forget the wine (or bubbly, if you’re feeling fancy) and put on the fairy lights to create the perfect ambiance. If you can play the guitar, string together a few verses for her, or set up a playlist of French café music. If the picnic extends into the evening, you can also go stargazing head-to-toe, like it’s done in the movies. How romantic!
Buy her clothes or shoes: Honestly, the best gift for women is always clothing. Find out her size and go pick out some pieces in her style, or what you think she’ll look good in. This option can be a bit risky, so keep the receipt just in case. But if it’s a hit, you’ll find that she’ll treasure the item(s) forever! You can even get something embroidered onto the fabric, making it even more special and meaningful.
Buy her a book or movie projector: Women read more than men — that’s a fact! Buy her a book that looks like her sort of genre. Or, if she already has a ton of books, why not try building her a bookshelf? I can guarantee she will love the effort you have put into the gift. But if you’re a couple that watches Netflix and movies together, look into buying her one of what has become the latest trend — a movie projector. There are loads online and in electronics stores and they’re great for a movie night. Throw in an air-popper popcorn machine and you’ll have scored all the brownie points!
Gents Gift Guide
I’m sure many guys are sick of receiving biltong, caramelised popcorn and other “manly” snacks for V-day. Well, we have some more unusual ideas for what to get the man in your life.
Tickets to a sports game: Forgive the massive stereotype on this one, but seriously, all men love, play or follow at least one sport. Surprise your guy with tickets to a rugby or cricket game and be sure to nab the best seats. There are even designated fan parks in South Africa for soccer, like, for example, the Liverpool Supporters’ Club, where Liverpool supporters come together to watch big games. You may not be really into it, but this will show your unselfish interest in whatever he’s into. Throw in a supporter’s jersey and it’ll be hands-down the best gift.
A voucher from Sorbet-Man: It is the 21st century, after all, and more and more men are joining the trend of self-care and presentation and, honestly, we girls are super thankful for it. Why not treat your boyfriend or husband to a day of pampering and grooming at Sorbet-Man or a similar salon? Throw in a massage and you’ll have made his day.
Couples Massage or Spa retreat: Expanding on the massage and pampering theme, you can make a trip or activity out of it together by booking a couple’s massage or spa retreat for the two of you. This means you get to be pampered too and hang out with your loved one on the special day as well.
Buy him a card game/video game/gadget: There are plenty of cool gadgets and games in many boutique or stationery stores. There are lots of different office-desk gadgets at Typo, card games or board games from stores like CNA and video games from BT Games or Dion Wired.
Buy him a speaker/stereo set: It’s also a known fact that men love impressive speakers. Whether it’s the car subwoofer or surround-sound for the lounge, why not look into getting something like this for your boyfriend or husband? There are also a ton of mini or portable speakers available, which can be transported to the beach, pool party, or brought on a picnic (hint, hint). Throw in some good quality headphones and you’ll have hit the jackpot of prezzies.